In this Law Update...

• July 2022 Law Changes Summary
• Law Application Guideline - Side Entry
• Law application in New Zealand

Law Changes Summary

Following the World Rugby Council meeting in May 2022, a number of law changes have been approved, and have come into effect for all competitions in New Zealand from now on.

The five previous Global Law Trials – Goal Line Drop-out, 50:22, jackler protection, banning pre-bound pods in open play (flying wedge) and approving a single latcher – have become full law.

There are two new Global Law Trials (click here to view details on the World Rugby site)

• Brake foot - At the scrum, hookers must have a brake foot in place during “Crouch” and “Bind” phases, and is removed on “Set”. This is to reduce the axial loading on the hookers
• Water carriers – In order to reduce the frequency of water carriers coming onto the field, and to sanction poor behaviour by non-players, new restrictions on medics and water carriers have been introduced.

These have become Global Law Trials until at least the end of 2023. There are also several minor amends to law that have arisen from previous clarifications. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PDF DETAILING ALL CHANGES.

Law Application Guideline - Side Entry

World Rugby is asking officials across the game to have a stricter focus and application of current guidelines and law with regards to direction and angle of arriving players at the breakdown, ruck and maul.

The key message is that players “square up” to enter the breakdown/ruck. Click here to view the full LAG detail.

Law Application in New Zealand

These updates to World Rugby Law, including the Global Law Trials, are applied to all new competitions effective immediately. More detailed application to grades, club/school competitions etc may be discussed and communicated prior to the 2023 season commencing.

The EDSLV's (Experimental Domestic Safety Law Variations) are being reviewed by NZ Rugby and any changes will be updated/communicated ahead of the 2023 season. Details of current EDSLV's can be found here.

Article added: Friday 14 October 2022